Howard bought a tractor, a combine. Rented more farms, so needed more machines.

AGRO-CHEMICALS

Used chemical fertilizers & use more & more all the time, started that in the 1940s. Used organic fertilizers, e.g., manure, also used. Pesticide use started after WWII. Suffered no ill-effects from chemicals.

OVERPRODUCTION

Discusses overproduction in the 1980s. Before that we were trying to feeding the world.

FARM BUSINESS

Talks about the financial ramifications of the land boom, borrowing money against land, & downturn of land values. Farmers got in trouble because they borrowed on over-valued land. When land prices dropped they were in trouble.

CONTINUING EDUCATION

Howard went to talks about farming, would go away for some of them. Hired men would run the farm in his absence. Good farmers read farm magazines.

APPLIANCES

Got a television about 1942.

FARMING DURING VIETNAM WAR

Vietnam War raised prices in the 1960s. Farming was still profitable.

FARMHOUSE

Didn't save or invest. Borrowed money ($21k) to remodel in 1951. Discusses the house, remodeling, & use of extension service architect. No charge for architectural plans. House was used as show model.

FAMILY

Howard's father died in 1976 at age of 91, mother in 1977 at age of 85. Grandmother died at age of 91.